Pro Riders Go Off During Preliminary Rounds at Nautique Wake OpenNautique Wake Series Finale Tightens Up at Orlando Watersports Complex

Orlando, Fla. - As the fourth and final stop of the Nautique Wake Series, and seventh stop on the elite King of Wake series, the Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar undoubtedly sizzled through the professional preliminary rounds as day 3 came to a close. The top pro divisions hit the water behind the majestic Super Air Nautique G21 and G23 for an opportunity to advance to tomorrow’s semifinal and final rounds.

Wakeskate, Jr. Pro Men, Pro Women and Pro Men threw down remarkable passes on the glassy waters of Orlando Watersports Complex keeping the judges, fans and media on the edge of their seats.

"Riding has been on point today," says tournament director, Chris Bischoff. "The perfect conditions, magnificent Super Air Nautique G21 and G23 boats and plenty of Rockstar Energy go hand-in-hand to help elevate riders to their highest potential. I can’t wait to see how finals pan out tomorrow!"

First on the water this morning were the wakeskaters. Point leaders Brian Grubb (USA) and Reed Hansen (USA) felt the pressure from young gun Austin Polterock (USA) and legend Danny Hampson (USA). However, Grubb and Hansen were still able to edge out the other riders for a spot to advance through to finals with their signature frontside big spin and late-shove skateboard-influenced tricks.

In the Jr. Pro Men division, three heats of four riders were set for the semifinal round. The Jr. Pros have been on fire this year, creating compelling rivalries and amazing camaraderie. Capping off their heats today were Parker Siegele (AUS), Cory Teunissen (AUS) and Jason Soven (USA). Riders who will also move on are Robby Holihan (USA), James Loisel (USA) and Jake Pelot (USA).

The Pro Women’s riding behind the monstrous G23 wake was impeccable, in combination with the glass-like water elevating riding to the next level. Tricks like handle pass KGBs from Nautique rider Meagan Ethell set the standard, creating difficult decisions for the team of judges.

To top off the day, Pro Men Quarterfinals kicked off with an insane round. The best wakeboarders on the planet launched tricks to the moon, not only impressing the judges, but also the fans. Riders such as Harley Clifford (AUS), Rusty Malinoski (CDN), Shota Tezuka (JPN) and Nautique rider Josh Twelker (USA) wrapped up the wins in their respective heats with tricks like switch mute mobes, melan frontside 720s and tons of techy flip tricks. Moving on to tomorrow’s semifinals are a pack of unbelievable riders, accumulating to 18 in total.

The Nautique Wake Series contributed a massive amount of overall prize money for the series champions. Each pro division (Pro Wakeskate, Jr. Pro Men, Pro Women and Pro Men) has been accumulating points at every major Nautique event this year. Wakeskater Brian Grubb (USA), Jr. Pro Parker Siegele (AUS), Pro Women’s Meagan Ethell (USA), and Pro Men’s Harley Clifford (AUS) are currently in the lead moving into tomorrow’s semi-final and final rounds.

There’s no reason to skip out on the action tomorrow at the Orlando Watersports Complex, as the funky jams of Soul Taxi will be blasting through the speakers from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and a live TV broadcast of the Nautique Wake Open will be streaming all day under the Pacifico ‘chill zone’ tent. In addition, fans can stay for the one-of-a-kind CONTOUR Big Air Contest on Sunday.

The Nautique Wake Open is stop number seven on the 2014 King of Wake Series and serves as the final stop on the Nautique Wake Series, a four-event professional and amateur wakeboard and wakeskate series. A season ending banquet, honoring the series’ top performers, is being held at the Downtown Orlando Embassy Suites located at 191 E. Pine St., Orlando, Fl. 32801.

For more information on the Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, visit KingOfWake.com.

The Nautique Wake Open presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is organized by World Sports & Marketing of Orlando, Fla., and has the support of the following sponsors: Nautique Boats, Rockstar Energy Drink, Fox, Ronix, CONTOUR, CWB, Hyperlite, Byerly, Peavey, PCM Marine Engines and WAKEBOARDING magazine.

About Nautique Boat Company, Inc.Celebrating 89 years of excellence in the marine industry, Nautique Boats is known for delivering the highest quality product, innovative technology and exceptional customer service experiences. To get more information on the company or see the complete line of Nautique boats, visit nautique.com. Find us at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

About RockstarRockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from athletes to rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through action sports, motor sports and live music. For more information visit RockstarEnergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.com.

About King of WakeThe King of Wake is the world’s elite pro wakeboarding series, attracting the sport’s top athletes from throughout the globe. Over the course of a season, athletes compete for the ultimate wakeboarding crown in a series points race of eight events throughout the United States to see who rules the wake. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake-events producer since 1988.

About WAKEBOARDING MagazineWAKEBOARDING magazine is the leader in wake-sports media by delivering the best instruction, latest product reviews, insider knowledge and the finest photography.